Nov 6, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the second half at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

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NBA Daily Recap- November 7, 2024

A breakdown of top performances and highlights from each matchup in the NBA on November 6, 2024.

The NBA on November 6, 2024, featured electrifying matchups and standout performances. Here is a breakdown of the top games and highlights:

Cleveland Cavaliers 131, New Orleans Pelicans 122

The Cavaliers’ historic season opener hit new heights as Donovan Mitchell’s 29-point night secured a road win and etched their name into franchise history with a 9-0 record, surpassing the 1976-77 team’s 8-0 start. Jarrett Allen dominated the paint with 16 points and 14 boards, while Caris LeVert’s spark off the bench proved pivotal. Despite Zion Williamson’s 29-point effort, New Orleans fell short, with Jose Alvarado and Brandon Ingram adding 27 and 20, respectively.

Denver Nuggets 124, Oklahoma City Thunder 122

Nikola Jokic put on a clinic in Denver, posting a monstrous 23-point, 20-rebound, 16-assist triple-double as the Nuggets handed Oklahoma City its first loss. The game came down to the wire, with Peyton Watson’s last-second block sealing the victory. Russell Westbrook led Denver’s scoring with 29 points, while Jalen Williams nearly stole the spotlight with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists for the Thunder.

Golden State Warriors 118, Boston Celtics 112

Stephen Curry dazzled with 27 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, lifting the Warriors past the Celtics and extending their winning streak to five. Golden State clawed back from a seven-point deficit with a 16-4 fourth-quarter surge. Jayson Tatum’s 32 points and Derrick White’s seven triples (26 points) kept Boston in contention, but a resilient Warriors squad iced the game at the line.

Los Angeles Clippers 110, Philadelphia 76ers 98

Norman Powell’s 26-point outburst and James Harden’s 18 points powered the Clippers to victory, dampening Paul George’s reunion with his former team. Ivica Zubac added muscle in the paint with 15 points and nine boards. The 76ers, debuting Joel Embiid for the season, saw him start serving a suspension instead, leaving them shorthanded against the surging Clippers.

Phoenix Suns 115, Miami Heat 112

Kevin Durant’s 32-point, eight-rebound showcase extended Phoenix’s winning streak to six games. Devin Booker flirted with a double-double, adding 22 points and nine assists. Tyler Herro led Miami with 28 points, but the Heat’s chance to tie slipped away as they failed to attempt a shot in the closing moments.

Charlotte Hornets 108, Detroit Pistons 107

Rookie Brandon Miller played hero, sinking a last-second putback to lift Charlotte over Detroit. Miles Bridges delivered 27 points and LaMelo Ball chipped in 25, including clutch baskets in the final minute. The Pistons, led by Cade Cunningham’s 20-point triple-double, were left heartbroken as Miller’s final shot sealed their fate.

Indiana Pacers 118, Orlando Magic 111

Indiana, powered by Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner’s double-doubles, held off Orlando to secure a home victory. Tyrese Haliburton’s late three-pointer sealed the game after a relentless Magic rally. Franz Wagner’s 28 points paced Orlando, which played without star Paolo Banchero. The Magic dropped their fifth straight, unable to replicate last week’s upset over Indiana.

Dallas Mavericks 119, Chicago Bulls 99

Luka Doncic orchestrated Dallas’ win with 27 points and 13 assists, propelling the Mavericks past a cold-shooting Chicago. The Bulls, playing without Zach LaVine, struggled to find rhythm, shooting 28.6% from three. Nikola Vucevic led Chicago with 14 points, but Dallas dominated transition play, notching 21 fast-break points.

Sacramento 122, Toronto Raptors 107

DeMar DeRozan’s 27 points and Keegan Murray’s double-double (22 points, 12 rebounds) lifted Sacramento past Toronto. Domantas Sabonis registered a triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists, capping a fourth-quarter surge that buried the Raptors. Toronto, led by RJ Barrett’s 23 points, couldn’t stop Sacramento’s 33-14 final-frame onslaught.

Atlanta Hawks 121, New York Knicks 116

Zaccharie Risacher showcased why he was the No. 1 overall pick, exploding for 33 points, seven rebounds, and a stat-stuffing performance to push Atlanta past New York. Karl-Anthony Towns’ 34-point, 16-rebound showing kept the Knicks in contention, but Risacher’s shooting and late-game heroics sealed Atlanta’s win.

Memphis Grizzlies 131, Los Angeles Lakers 114

Memphis rode a three-headed attack of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Jaylen Wells, each scoring 20, to best the Lakers. LeBron James’ 39-point performance was a lone bright spot for Los Angeles, which played without Anthony Davis. The Grizzlies connected on 17 of 34 threes and weathered Morant’s late-game injury, securing their fourth win.

Houston Rockets 127, San Antonio Spurs 100

Fred VanVleet put on a shooting clinic, scoring 21 points on 10-of-11 shooting and dishing 10 assists to lead Houston over San Antonio. Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun combined for 37 points as the Rockets capitalized on the Spurs’ 20 turnovers. Victor Wembanyama’s 15 points and a cold shooting night from deep capped a tough outing for the Spurs.